Fact Check: Harper’s running another billion-dollar deficit

August 19, 2015

OTTAWA – Stephen Harper is again misleading Canadians about his failed economic record, this time touting his deficit record to a London, Ontario, audience. Harper falsely said: “First two months of this year, budget is in surplus as we predicted… What you need to avoid is a situation where deficits persist.”

The truth is, the Conservatives have had eight consecutive years of deficits, and despite claims to the contrary, Harper will run another one this year.

“Feds can’t avoid $1-billion deficit, budget officer says” (Toronto Star, July 22, 2015)

Between Harper and the last Conservative Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney, the Conservatives have contributed $439 billion to the total national debt of $616 billion.

And while running massive deficits, Harper’s ten years have left middle class Canadians struggling to make ends meet.

Harper’s plan gives billions in benefits to the wealthiest few and will do nothing to help Canadians in the middle class – and those working hard to join it – get ahead.